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Cornwall Collaborative CIC - Our Story

What is a CIC?

A community interest company (CIC) is a type of company introduced in the UK in 2005 and is designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. CICs are intended to be easy to set up, with all the flexibility and certainty of the company form, but with some special features to ensure they are working for the benefit of the community. For more information visit the Community Interest Company Association website www.cicassociation.org.uk

Our Story

As part of a National Programme, in October 2011 Locality employed three Trainee Community Organisers (CO) who where seconded to the Penwith Community Development Trust, Penzance. The CO spent 12 months on a training programme provided by RE:generate to listen to the local community, support local action and encourage accountability and transparency within local democracy.

In early 2012 residents came together for the first time to form a ‘House Meeting’ and the group grew month by month. In September 2012 the CO qualified and with the support of Penwith Community Development Trust established Cornwall Collaborative Community Interest Company (CIC). Cornwall Collaborative’s focus is on community organising as an engagement approach for encouraging grassroots action to tackle local issues.

From March 2013 Cornwall Collaborative CIC has grown and gained two Trainee Community Organisers. Further, funding has been agreed for two more trainees to start in September 2013 and finish in September 2014.

We use a method of engagement called Root Solution Listening Matters, building a picture of what people love about where they live, what concerns them, what they would like to see happening in the area and what they could do to make this happen. We then work with resident to put these ideas into practice.